New breed of triple threat at South Fayette

While the other girls wore dresses and heels, VanBibber was in her football uniform and cleats. For her, shoulder pads are no fashion faux pas. They are definitely in style.

“I feel more comfortable in my pads than all dressed up,” said VanBibber. “It was cool because I could celebrate being on the football team and being the homecoming queen. You can do both.”

If you’re VanBibber, you do it all. She’s not only a soccer star and member of the football team, but also a straight-A student whose course load is packed with honors and Advanced Placement classes. She’s also the senior class treasurer, a member of the STEAM team and involved in student government.

“That’s just who I am. I’m always running around,” VanBibber said. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I had nothing going on. I’d feel like I’m wasting the day.

“I think I’m most proud of following what I love to do rather than listening to what people may say or might think.”

VanBibber’s drive and determination to do things her own way started at a young age. South Fayette football coach Joe Rossi was VanBibber’s gym teacher when she was in kindergarten. She told him back then that she wanted to be on the football team.

“She loved football since she was in kindergarten,” said Rossi, now in his 12th year at South Fayette. “She kicked for our middle school team. She’s been a great girl. She gets the ball down to about the 15-yard line. She’s got a strong leg.”

During family get-togethers, VanBibber would play sports with the boys or camp out by the television to watch football with her father and uncles.

“I don’t know what the other girls were doing,” said VanBibber. “I was always playing sports.”

VanBibber has the talent to be the starting kicker for a lot of teams. The Lions, however, have a Temple recruit in Ryan Coe as a kicker.

VanBibber’s future is in soccer. She is looking at Case Western Reserve and UMass Lowell, among others, for college. She also plays club soccer for the Riverhounds.

After practicing with the football team twice a week, VanBibber has 10 minutes to change and race over to the soccer field to lead warmups as a team captain. With nine goals this season, VanBibber is one of the Lions’ leading scorers. On and off the field, she’s known as a selfless individual and the kind of player coaches dream about.

“She is like the all-American girl,” said South Fayette girls soccer coach Katie Munnell. “She’s super sweet, super respectful with her teammates.

“She has a personality that’s contagious. Overall, she’s just one of those girls that you love to have around.”

Rossi agress. He has coached or taught VanBibber since she started school in the South Fayette school district. During that time, they have gained an immense amount of respect for each other.

“I have three daughters myself and, if they all turn out like Helina VanBibber, I’ll be very happy,” said Rossi.